Hello Chamber Members and Partners,
Here are the latest updates and resources for businesses and employees during this uncertain time.
Send us any questions or updates you may have, we are here to help provide information, connect the dots and assure those in the North Country that we will get through this together.
Onward and Be Well!
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TELE-TOWNHALL: ASK OUR HOSPITAL PRESIDENTS
THURSDAY APRIL 23rd - 10am
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ear updates and answers to questions regarding the response by our hospitals to COVID-19 and the impacts on hospital operations.
PANELIST INCLUDE:
- MICHELLE LEBEAU, President, UVM Health Network: CVPH and Alice Hyde
- SYLVIA GETMAN, President and CEO, Adirondack Health
- JOHN REMILLARD, President, UVM Health Network: Elizabethtown Community Hospital
DATE:
Thursday April 23rd
TIME:
10am
Register
and ask your questions today by clicking the button below!
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BE AWARE: SBA - SCAM ALERT
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Reports of scammers are on the rise with respect to the PPP and EIDL programs, report fraud directly via the information below, as well.
A couple of things that have been seen:
- Emails impersonating SBA to a borrower regarding PPP loan applications. SBA DOES NOT communicate with borrowers regarding specific PPP loan applications. All PPP loan correspondence should be between the lender and the borrower.
- Emails impersonating SBA asking for borrowers to complete and sign attached documents to “complete” their disaster “Grant Application.” SBA does not process grants. All EIDL loan processing now occurs through the EIDL portal, and legitimate loan approval emails clearly reference the original confirmation #. If additional documentation is required (95% of loans do not require more documentation), it is electronically handled in the portal. EIDL Advances process with NO action required on the part of the applicant.
These phishing emails are sophisticated, with SBA logos and styling consistent with legitimate SBA communications. If in doubt, the borrower may contact our office.
Scams and Fraud Schemes
Grants
- SBA does not initiate contact on loans or grants. If you are proactively contacted by someone claiming to be from the SBA, suspect fraud.
Loans
- If you are contacted by someone promising to get approval of an SBA loan, but requires any payment up front or offers a high interest bridge loan in the interim, suspect fraud.
- SBA limits the fees a broker can charge a borrower to 3% for loans $50,000 or less and 2% for loans $50,000 to $1,000,000 with an additional ¼% on amounts over $1,000,000. Any attempt to charge more than these fees is inappropriate.
- If you have a question about getting a SBA disaster loan, call 800.659.2955 or send an email.
- If you have questions about other SBA lending products, call SBA’s Answer Desk at 800-827-5722 or send an email.
Phishing
- If you are in the process of applying for an SBA loan and receive email correspondence asking for PII, ensure that the referenced application number is consistent with the actual application number.
- Look out for phishing attacks/scams utilizing the SBA logo. These may be attempts to obtain your personally identifiable information (PII),to obtain personal banking access, or t install ransomware/malware on your computer.
- Any email communication from SBA will come from accounts ending with sba.gov.
- The presence of an SBA logo on a webpage does not guaranty the information is accurate or endorsed by SBA. Please cross-reference any information you receive with information available at sba.gov.
Report Fraud
Report any suspected fraud to OIG’s Hotline at 800-767-0385 or
online.
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Health Insurance Premium Grace Period
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"New York residents and small businesses are entitled to a 60-day grace period (from April 1, 2020 until June 1, 2020) from cancellation, conditional renewal or non-renewal of their insurance policies upon demonstration of financial hardship suffered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic."
Any such policyholder can defer payment of premium over the course of the following year (that is, starting on June 1, 2020) in 12 equal monthly installments. You will not be subject to any late fees and will not be reported to any credit or debt collection agency during the 60-day grace period or as a result of requesting and qualifying for such a deferment.
Got questions about your insurance - contact
Lisa
!
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NYS LAUNCHED A NEW UNEMPLOYMENT PORTAL
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Yesterday, the New York State Department of Labor launched an updated, streamlined online application that allows New Yorkers to apply for either traditional UI or PUA, depending on their eligibility. Individuals no longer have to submit a claim for traditional unemployment insurance, be denied, and then complete a separate application for PUA.
The portal can be accessed
here.
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INTERVIEW WITH CATHERINE LOUBIER, Delegate General of Québec in New York
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Both Québec and New York State have been hit hard by COVID-19. Can we work together to strengthen security between our regions while preserving a spirit of collaboration?
We share a border of more than 800-km (500-miles) with our American friends, including 100-km (60-miles) with New York State through which the bulk of Québec’s trade with the United States passes. It is therefore imperative to build a concerted North American approach, both in the management of this crisis and in the pursuit of commercial relations.
A unified North American economic approach with our most important partner is necessary in order to maintain an open and efficient supply chain during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. We will thus be able to compete together with other regions of the world such as China. U.S. and Canadian companies present on the world market will be stronger if they work together.
The COVID-19 crisis has profoundly affected businesses and international trade operations. Canada and the United States have highly integrated manufacturing and supply chains that have existed for hundreds of years, allowing producers, suppliers and distributors to put bread on the table for our peoples. We must continue to support businesses on both sides of the border. Keeping the longest and safest border in the world free of additional barriers is imperative in order to meet immediate health concerns and fuel economic recovery.
We urge decision makers on both sides of the border to remain united as "Team North America" to ensure the best outcome now and after the crisis, for the well-being and prosperity of Americans, Quebecers and all Canadians.
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A MESSAGE FROM CLINTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
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The following message is sent on behalf of President DiPasquale:
I truly hope everyone and your families are all doing well. We have faced many challenges through these very uncharted times. With four weeks left in the semester, I wanted to thank each of you for your dedication in helping our students on their educational journey.
Just a few updates as we move forward:
- Governor's directive: New York State On Pause has been extended to May 15.
- Face masks are now required for any on-campus interaction. Other requirements are in place for in-public interaction as well.
- SUNY conference calls occur almost every day, and we are continuing to monitor all news and updates.
- Summer activities are cancelled; courses and operations will remain remote. Commencement has been postponed as well.
- Moore construction project will restart soon with many new health and safety protocols in place.
- Controller search is underway with interviews this week.
- We will receive $765,962 (emergency grants to students: $382,981 - 50% of total allocation) as part of the Federal Government CARES Act emergency distribution for students;
- eligibility and guidelines to follow soon.
- Budgets across all campuses, State and local governments will be impacted by the COVID-19 issues.
- The State, County and colleges will all need support as we continue.
- Our IAM conference room is being used by the County Health Department and Office of Emergency Services. They are very grateful.
- We donated PPE to the County.
- We are assisting with making face masks with 3D printers.
- We have distributed food from our pantry to quarantined senior centers.
- It’s not over and we will continue to do all we can to support each other and our county.
Finally, thank you to everyone as our courses are being taught remotely, operations of the college are functioning everyday, and we are working together to help one another and our students. I hope during this time of reflection we remember what’s important to
each of us; take the time for your families, ourselves and each other.
Thank you and stay tuned. Stay well, stay safe and take good care.
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The home page of the Chamber's website is now your go to resource for all things Coronavirus related. From information to help your business, health insurance, employee guidelines, restaurant offerings and CDC resources, northcountrychamber.com will hopefully make things a bit easier for you during this challenging time.
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- Looking for Supplies: If your business is looking for hard to find protective products, we have created a list of businesses offering hand sanitizer, gloves, wipes, masks and other items.
- Now Hiring: Whether you are hiring or looking for work, we have a page dedicated to helping pair potential employees with employers.
- Webinars: Did you miss one of our webinars, you can find them all here.
- How to Help: If you are looking for a way to help the North Country, we have created an ever growing list of needs in our community. And if you are a non-profit, health care organization or a business helping those in need, email us with your needs, contact information and we will be happy to add you to our growing list.
- SCORE: Visit Scores Coronavirus page for webinars and useful articles for small businesses.
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Have Questions? We're here to help!
North Country Chamber of Commerce
518.563.1000
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